Inflatable hernia patch

ABSTRACT

A patch for repairing an intra-abdominal defect is disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention as including a mesh layer providing a grid of material perforated by apertures through the mesh. This mesh is used to reinforce an area around an intra-abdominal defect. A containment layer is secured proximate an edge of the mesh layer. A filler is distributed across the apertures of the mesh to contain a fluid from passing through the mesh. The mesh layer, containment layer, and filler are connected to form a chamber to selectively expand upon receipt of a quantity of fluid between the containment layer and the filler.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/478,482, filed Jun. 4, 2009 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,002,844, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/519,652, filed Sep.12, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,544,213, issued Jun. 9, 2009, both ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. The Field of the Invention

This invention relates to hernia repair and more particularly toapparatus and methods for expanding and maintaining the shape of herniapatches during hernia repair.

2. The Background Art

With more than 20 million hernia repairs occurring worldwide on anannual basis, hernia repair is the most frequently performed surgicaloperation in the world. Although there are many different techniques forrepairing hernias, these techniques generally can be classified aseither tension or tension-free repairs.

For many years, tension repair was the primary procedure used to treatpeople with hernias. Using this techniques, an incision is generallymade in the abdomen over the hernia site. Any protruding tissue ispushed back into the correct position within the abdominal cavity andthe hernial defect is mended with stitches or sutures. Because thestitches or sutures generally exert tension on the sides of the defectin order to keep it closed, this technique may cause more pain anddiscomfort than other repair techniques and there is typically a higherprobability that the hernia will recur. Consequently, this technique isgenerally only suitable for very small hernias.

Tension-free repair techniques are currently the most common techniquesand generally utilize a piece of mesh to bridge the hernial defect.These meshes are typically constructed of synthetic materials, such asGoretex®, Teflon®, Dacron®, Marlex®, Prolene®, or the like. Tension-freerepairs may be performed using either open surgery or laparoscopictechniques. In open surgery, a surgeon usually makes an incision overthe hernial defect and folds and inserts a mesh patch through theincision. This patch may be manually unrolled and positioned inside theabdomen before being fastened with staples, sutures, or the like to theabdominal wall over the defect. Once the mesh is securely attached,tissue grows through the mesh to create a strong but flexible layer thatmimics the abdominal wall.

Tension-free mesh repairs may also be performed laparoscopically. Usingthis technique, a mesh patch is usually folded and inserted into theabdomen through a small incision away from the hernial defect. The patchis then moved to the region of the hernia, unfolded, positioned over thedefect, and attached to the abdominal wall. This surgery is generallyreferred to as posterior hernia repair because the hernia is repairedfrom behind the abdominal wall.

One challenge in performing both open surgery and laparoscopic meshrepairs is unfolding and positioning a mesh patch inside the abdomenonce inserted. Because there is typically very little room to work andvisibility may be limited inside the abdomen, it is often difficult orawkward to unroll and position a mesh patch prior to attachment. Thismay result in a patch that is undesirably creased or poorly positioned,creating unwanted tension or discomfort within the abdomen. As a result,some manufacturers of mesh patches have integrated devices, such as“memory recoil rings” into their patches to allow them to spring openand lie flat once positioned inside the abdomen. These recoil rings areflexible enough to be rolled or folded tightly to allow insertionthrough an incision in the abdomen.

Nevertheless, these recoil rings may also be prone to break under thestress of folding, rolling, or placement inside the intra-abdominalspace. In fact, several different models of patches from at least onemanufacturer have been recalled due to instances of breakage inside theabdomen. These breaks can cause various problems, such as bowelperforations or chronic intestinal fistulae (i.e., abnormal connectionsor passageways between the intestines and other organs).

In view of the foregoing, what is needed is a mesh patch that is easilyunfolded and positioned within the abdomen, while reducing the safetyconcerns associated with patches using recoil rings or other expansionmechanisms. Ideally, an improved expansion mechanism should beincorporated into a mesh patch and left inside the abdomen after closingthe incision. Furthermore, such a patch would ideally be useful in bothopen surgery and laparoscopic procedures.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, in accordance with the invention as embodiedand broadly described herein, a patch for repairing an intra-abdominaldefect is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including amesh layer providing a grid of material perforated by aperturestherethrough. This mesh is used to reinforce an area around anintra-abdominal defect. A containment layer may be secured proximate anedge of the mesh layer. A filler may be distributed throughout theapertures of the mesh to prevent a fluid from passing through the mesh.Alternatively a layer or filler may form a wall secured to the mesh. Themesh layer, containment layer, and filler are connected at therespective edges thereof to form a chamber between the containment layerand filler to selectively expand upon receipt of a quantity of fluidbetween the containment layer and the filler.

In certain embodiments, a patch in accordance with the invention mayinclude a fill mechanism connected to introduce a fluid into thechamber. Suitable fill mechanisms may include, for example, a chemicalto generate a gas, a syringe, a pneumatic bulb, a source ofcompressed-gas or liquid such as sterile saline, a pump, or the like. Incertain embodiments, the fill mechanism may include a conduit connectedto introduce a fluid (e.g. liquid or gas) into the chamber. In otherembodiments, a fill mechanism, such as a gas-generating chemical, may belocated inside the fluid chamber to produce a fluid from inside thepatch.

In selected embodiments, the filler, the containment layer, or both maybe formed of a bioabsorbable material that degrades inside the abdomenover time. In selected embodiments, the filler is a bioabsorbablematerial embedded to seal the apertures of the mesh. The containmentlayer may, in some embodiments, be formed of the same material as thefiller.

In certain embodiments, the patch may include an anti-adhesion layersubstantially impervious to cell growth and non-adherent to live tissue.This layer may help to prevent intestines or other internal organs fromadhering to and possibly being damaged by the patch. In selectedembodiments, the containment layer is also the anti-adhesion layer. Inother embodiments, the filler material may provide the anti-adhesionlayer. The anti-adhesion layer may be formed of various types ofpolymers such as polyfluorinated materials.

In certain embodiments, to keep the fluid chamber relatively flat,rigid, and to aid in unfolding the patch, the chamber forms one or moreinflatable rings. In other embodiments, the chamber may form one or moreinflatable ribs. Similarly, the chamber may include one or more regionsof securement connecting the containment layer to the mesh layer. Theseregions of securement may, in certain embodiments, be provided byfasteners such as a welds, adhesives, stitches, staples, or the like.

In another embodiment in accordance with the invention, a method forrepairing an intra-abdominal defect may include providing a patchincluding a mesh layer integrated with a fluid chamber expandable toextend the mesh layer. The patch may then be folded and inserted throughan incision in the abdomen to repair an intra-abdominal defect. Thepatch may then be unfolded by urging fluid into the fluid chamber,positioned over the intra-abdominal defect, and attached to theabdominal wall to reinforce an area proximate the intra-abdominaldefect. The fluid chamber may be left inside the abdomen upon closingthe incision.

In certain embodiments, the method further includes deflating theexpandable fluid chamber. This may be accomplished, for example, bypuncturing the expandable fluid chamber, allowing fluid to slowly leakthrough apertures in the expandable chamber, cutting a conduit leadingto the expandable fluid chamber, allowing fluid to escape through aconduit leading to the expandable chamber, or the like. In certainembodiments, puncturing may include piercing the fluid chamber with asuture member, such as a needle, staple, forceps, or the like.

In selected embodiments, urging fluid into the fluid chamber may includeurging fluid through a conduit leading to the fluid chamber. In otherembodiments, urging fluid into the fluid chamber includes chemicallygenerating fluid inside the fluid chamber.

In another embodiment in accordance with the invention, a patch forrepairing an intra-abdominal defect includes a mesh for attachment to anarea proximate an intra-abdominal defect and a fluid chamber integratedinto the patch and connected to the mesh. The fluid chamber, uponinflating, extends to maintain the shape of the mesh to facilitateplacement and attachment of the mesh proximate the intra-abdominaldefect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects and features of the present inventionwill become more fully apparent from the following description andappended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of theinvention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of itsscope, the invention will be described with additional specificity anddetail through use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an improved herniapatch in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a cutaway perspective view of the patch illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a simplified side profile view of one embodiment of a herniapatch in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 4 is a simplified side profile view of another embodiment of ahernia patch in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 5 is a simplified side profile view of another embodiment of ahernia patch in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6 is a simplified side profile view of another embodiment of ahernia patch in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 7 is a cutaway perspective view of one embodiment of a fluidchamber for incorporation into a patch in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 8 is a cutaway perspective view of another embodiment of a fluidchamber for incorporation into a patch in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 9 is a cutaway perspective view of another embodiment of a fluidchamber for incorporation into a patch in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 10 is a cutaway perspective view of another embodiment of a fluidchamber for incorporation into a patch in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a patch having anintegrated, yet separable (e.g. tear-away) fluid chamber;

FIG. 12 is another view of the patch illustrated in FIG. 11 showingdetachment of the fluid chamber;

FIG. 13 is a schematic flow chart of one embodiment of a method forrepairing a hernia using a patch in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 14 is a front view of a patient showing one possible arrangement ofports on the abdomen for performing a laparoscopic surgical procedure;

FIGS. 15 through 17 is a sectioned view of an abdomen showing a patch inaccordance with the invention positioned to be used in a laparoscopicprocedure; and

FIGS. 18 through 21 is a sectioned view of an abdomen showing a patch inaccordance with the invention positioned to be used in an open surgicalprocedure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It will be readily understood that the components of the presentinvention, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein,could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of differentconfigurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of theembodiments of the apparatus and methods of the present invention, asrepresented in the Figures, is not intended to limit the scope of theinvention, as claimed, but is merely representative of selectedembodiments of apparatus and methods in accordance with the invention.The invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings,wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in general, a patch 10 in accordance withthe invention for repairing a hernia or other intra-abdominal defect mayinclude a mesh layer 12, a filler 14, and a containment layer 16. Asexplained in more detail hereafter, the mesh layer 12, containment layer16, and filler 14 may be connected to form a chamber that expands uponreceipt of a quantity of fluid between the containment layer 16 and thefiller 14.

A mesh layer 12 may generally be formed of a grid of material perforatedby apertures configured to receive tissue growth therethrough toreinforce an area around an intra-abdominal defect. The mesh layer 12may be constructed of any of a wide variety of materials including butnot limited to non-fibrous or fibrous, non-porous or porous materialssuch as Marlex®, Prolene®, Atrium®, Trelex®, Goretex® (ePTFE), SurgicalMembrane®, Dualmesh®, Teflon® (PTFE mesh), Mersilene® (braided Dacron®mesh), Surgipro® (braided polypropylene mesh), MaxcroMesh® (perforatedPTFE patch), silastic, Vypro®, or the like, to name just a few. The poresize of these meshes may vary greatly and in some cases the pores aresized to allow admission of macrophages, fibroblasts, blood vessels andcollagen fibers into the pores. This may reduce the chance of herniarecurrence and provide ingrowth characteristics that mimic normal tissuehealing. A mesh 12 may also conform to the abdominal wall musculatureanatomy.

A filler 14 may be used to seal the apertures of the mesh layer 12 toprevent fluid from passing through the apertures. A filler 14 may, incertain embodiments, simply be a layer 14 adjacent to, and optionallyattached periodically to, the mesh layer 12 to prevent fluid frompassing through the mesh 12. In other embodiments, the filler 14 may beintegrated into the mesh layer. For example, in certain embodiments, thefiller may be a bioabsorbable material used to temporarily seal theapertures of the mesh layer 12. Suitable bioabsorbable materials mayinclude, for example, polylactide polymer, polyglycolic acid,polycaprolactone, gelatin, or the like. After the patch 10 is attachedto the abdominal wall, this bioabsorbable material may degrade and beabsorbed into the body. This may open and expose the apertures of themesh 12 to allow body tissue to attach to and intergrow with the meshlayer 12.

As mentioned, a containment layer 16 may be attached to the mesh layer12 (which is sealed by the filler 14) to form a fluid chamber 18. Thecontainment layer 16 may, in certain embodiments, be attached to themesh layer 12 along an edge using stitches 22 (as shown), adhesive,staples, welds, or the like. As shown, other rows or areas of stitches24, adhesive, staples, welds, or the like, may be provided at selectedlocations along the patch to keep the patch 10 relatively flat or planarwhen inflated.

The chamber 18 formed by the containment layer 16 and mesh layer 12 maybe expanded to extend the patch 10 upon receipt of a fluid. This mayallow the patch 10 to unfold and lay flat while inside the abdomen tofacilitate placement and attachment to the abdominal wall. In certainembodiments, a fluid such as a biocompatible liquid (e.g., water,saline, etc.) or gas (e.g., carbon dioxide) may be urged into thechamber 18 through a conduit 20. This fluid may be urged through theconduit 20 using a fill mechanism such as a gas-generating chemical, asyringe, a pneumatic bulb, a source of compressed-gas, a pump, or thelike.

Like the filler 14, the containment layer 16 may also be formed from abioabsorbable material. This may allow the containment layer 16 todegrade and absorb into the body after the patch 10 has been inflatedand attached inside the abdomen. Thus, in certain embodiments, both thefiller 14 and containment layer 16 may be formed of a bioabsorbablematerial, leaving only the mesh layer 12 inside the abdomen after thesetwo layers 14, 16 have dissolved.

In other embodiments, the mesh layer 12 may also be formed of abioabsorbable material, although it may typically be designed to degradeat a slower rate than the filler 14 or containment layers 16. This mayallow time for tissue to attach and intergrow within the mesh 12 beforethe mesh 12 dissolves. In other embodiments, the containment layer 16may be formed of an anti-adhesion material, such as Goretex® or otherpolyfluorinated polymers, to minimize tissue adhesions, such asintestinal or other organ adhesions, to the mesh layer 12 and tissuesgrowing therethrough.

Referring to FIG. 3, in selected embodiments, a patch 10 in accordancewith the invention may include a mesh layer 12 and filler 14 integratedinto a single layer 12, 14. For example, as mentioned hereinbefore, thefiller 14 may simply be a material sealing the apertures of the mesh 12and possibly the pores of the mesh itself if such exist. A containmentlayer 16 may be attached to the layer 12, 14, thereby creating a chamber18. This chamber 18 may be inflated upon receipt of a fluid to expandand unfold the patch 10. This fluid may, in certain embodiments, bereceived through a conduit 20. This conduit 20 may either attach to themesh and filler layer 12, 14, as shown, to the containment layer 16, orto both such as when fitted between them. In certain embodiments, theplace of attachment of the conduit 20 may differ based on the type ofsurgery.

For example, for open surgery, the conduit 20 may be attached to themesh and filler layer 12, 14 because the patch 20 is typically insertedthrough an open incision immediately above the hernial defect. Theconduit 20 may be routed through the open incision to a fill mechanismto urge fluid into the patch 10. In laparoscopic procedures, however,the conduit 20 may be attached to the containment layer 16 because thedefect is normally repaired from behind the abdominal wall. Here, theconduit 20 may be routed through a laparoscopic port in the abdomenlocated some distance away from the hernial defect.

As previously mentioned, the filler 14, containment layer 16, mesh 12,or combinations thereof, may be formed of a bioabsorbable material. Inthis way, the chamber 18 may degrade and disappear after the patch 10 isinserted and attached to the abdominal wall. In other embodiments, thecontainment layer 16 may be formed of an anti-adhesion material, such asGoretex® or some other inert polymer.

Referring to FIG. 4, in another embodiment, a patch 10 in accordancewith the invention may be integrated to include a mesh layer 12 andfiller layer 14 as two separate layers only connected periodically suchas at points therealong, an edge, or the like. A containment layer 16may be attached to the filler layer 14 to form a chamber 18. A conduit20 may supply fluid to the chamber 18. Although embodied as a separatelayer, the filler layer 14 may nevertheless prevent fluid from flowingout of the chamber 18 through apertures of the mesh layer 12.

The mesh layer 12 may be attached to the filler layer 14 using stitches,adhesives, staples, welds, or other means of attachment. Furthermore,like the previous example, either the filler layer 14, containment layer16, or both may be made of a bioabsorbable material. In otherembodiments, either the filler layer 14 or containment layer 16 may beformed of an anti-adhesion material, the other layer typically beingbioabsorbable. For example, in one embodiment, the containment layer 16may be formed of an anti-adhesion material. In another embodiment, thefiller layer 14 may be formed of an anti-adhesion material, such asGoretex®, and the containment layer 16 may be formed of a bioabsorbablematerial. When the containment layer 16 degrades and disappears, thefiller layer 14 may be exposed to prevent intestines, internal organs,or other tissue form adhering to the mesh layer 12.

Referring to FIG. 5, in yet another embodiment, a patch 10 in accordancewith the invention may include a containment layer 16 and ananti-adhesion layer 22 as separate layers. For example, the patch 10 mayinclude a mesh layer 12 and a filler layer 14 to prevent fluid frompassing through the mesh layer 12. The containment layer 16 may beattached to the filler layer 14 or mesh layer 12 to form a chamber 18. Aseparate anti-adhesion layer 22 may be attached beneath (e.g. inwardfrom) the containment layer 16 to prevent improper adhesions of tissuesto the patch 10. In certain embodiments, the filler layer 14 andcontainment layer 16 may be bioabsorbable such that the chamber 18degrades and disappears, leaving only the mesh layer 12 andanti-adhesion layer 22 inside the abdomen.

Referring to FIG. 6, in other embodiments, a patch 10 may include a fillmechanism inside the chamber 18. For example, in one contemplatedembodiment, a chemical combination may be stored within a container 24in the chamber 18. This container 24 may be ruptured to expose to oneanother the chemicals inside the chamber 18. For example, acetic acidand sodium bicarbonate make carbon dioxide and neither the component norgas is toxic, all of them being bioabsorbable. This or another mechanismmay initiate a gas-generating chemical reaction inside the chamber 18 toinflate and extend the patch 10. The generated gas may be biocompatibleand may be released from the chamber 18 by puncturing the chamber 18,such as during attachment of the patch 10 to the abdomen.

Referring to FIG. 7, in selected embodiments, a chamber 18, as describedin association with FIGS. 1 through 6, may be designed to urge the patch20 toward a substantially planar configuration during inflation. Thatis, a chamber 18 may tend to expand in all directions when inflated.Thus, a chamber 18 may be designed to stay relatively flat, or planar,even when expanded. For example, in one embodiment, the chamber 18 mayinclude an inflatable ring 26 near, just inside, or around the outeredge of the patch 10. This ring 26 may inflate through a conduit 20 orother filling means. When inflated, this ring 26 may expand to extendthe patch 10 in a planar orientation to facilitate placement andattachment of the patch 10 to the abdominal wall.

In certain embodiments, a sheet-like portion 28 may span the spaceinside the ring 26. In selected embodiments, this portion 28 may beuseful to attach a patch 10 to the abdominal wall without puncturing thechamber 26. For example, stitches, sutures, staples, or the like, maypierce the inner mesh portion 28 without puncturing the outer chamber26. This may allow the ring-shaped chamber 26 to maintain the shape ofthe patch 10 until the patch 10 is adequately positioned and attached tothe abdominal wall. Once attached, the chamber 26 may be deflated bypuncturing the chamber 26, cutting the conduit 20, tearing off theconduit 20, of by piercing the chamber 26 with a staple, suture, or thelike.

Referring to FIG. 8, in other embodiments, a chamber 18 may include oneor more inflatable ribs 30 for extending and providing rigidity to thepatch 10 primarily in a first direction 34. These ribs 30 may be createdby providing one or more linear securement regions 38 along the length34 of the chamber 18. In selected embodiments, the ribs 30 may beconnected by passageways 32. These passageways 32 may provide rigidityprimarily in a second direction 36, which may be perpendicular to thefirst direction 34. Like the previous example, the rib structure mayserve to keep the chamber 18 substantially flat and comparatively stiffwhile a patch 10 is placed and attached to the abdominal wall.

Referring to FIG. 9, in yet another embodiment, a chamber 18 may includea plurality of concentric inflatable rings 40. Like the example of FIG.7, these rings 40 may expand when inflated to extend a patch 10 andfacilitate placement and attachment of the patch 10 to the abdominalwall. However, by using multiple rings 40, the rings 40 may be smaller,thereby providing a patch 10 that is thinner and more compact wheninflated. Furthermore, the multiple rings 40 may provide rigidity to thepatch 10 in multiple directions 34, 36 during placement and attachmentof the patch 10 to the abdominal wall.

Referring to FIG. 10, in another embodiment, the chamber 18 may includeone or more small regions 42 of securement, or “kiss-throughs,” to keepthe chamber 18 relatively thin and flat when inflated. One benefit ofthis embodiment is that the small regions 42 of securement may providegreater stiffness to the patch 10 in multiple directions 34, 36.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, in selected embodiments, a chamber 18 maybe detachable from a patch 10 in accordance with the invention after thepatch 10 is secured to the abdominal wall. For example, in selectedembodiments, a patch 10 may include a chamber 18 detachable from thepatch 10 by way of a scored or perforated line 44. To extend the patch10, the chamber 18 may be inflated through a conduit 20. The patch 10may then be positioned and attached to the abdominal wall with stapes,sutures, stitches, or the like. Once attached, the chamber 18 may bedetached from the patch 10 by tearing it along the score line 44. Thechamber 18 may then be removed from the abdomen through an incision,such as through a laparoscopic port. This embodiment may be mostsuitable for laparoscopic procedures.

Referring to FIG. 13, one embodiment of a method 50 for repairing anintra-abdominal defect may include first, providing a patch 10comprising a mesh layer 12 integrated with a fluid chamber 18 expandableto extend the mesh 12. The method may then include rolling 52, folding52, or otherwise compacting 52 the patch 10 and inserting 54 the patch10 into the abdomen. For the purposes of this description, the terms“compacting,” “folding,” and “rolling” may be used interchangeably.

In open surgery, this may include, for example, rolling 52 or folding 52the patch 10 around a finger and inserting the patch 10 into theincision with the finger (e.g., for smaller patches), or simply rolling52 the patch, such as into thirds, and inserting 54 the patch 10 throughthe open incision (e.g., for larger patches). For laparoscopicprocedures, this may include folding 52 or rolling 52 the patch 10around a surgical tool, such as a sponge holder or forceps, to insert 54the patch 10 through a port in the abdomen.

Once inside the abdomen, the patch 10 may then be inflated 56 to unfoldand extend the patch 10 to give it a substantially flat orientation.This step may include urging a fluid, such as water, saline, air, carbondioxide, nitrogen, or the like, into the patch chamber 18. As previouslymentioned, this may be accomplished using a fill mechanism such as asyringe, pneumatic bulb, source of compressed-gas, pump, or the like, tourge fluid through a conduit 20 leading to the chamber 18. In otherembodiments, this step 56 may be accomplished from inside the patch 10,such as by internally generating a fluid through a chemical reaction.

Once inflated, the patch 10 may be positioned over the hernial or otherintra-abdominal defect. In certain embodiments, such as in open surgeryprocedures, the conduit 20 may be used to center the patch over thehernial defect. That is, because the open incision is generally madeover the hernial defect, the conduit 20 (assuming it attaches to acentral region of the patch 10) may be used to center the patch 10 overthe defect simply by centering the conduit 20 through the incision. Inother embodiments, the patch 10 may also be urged against the abdominalwall by gently pulling on the conduit 20 prior to attachment. This mayalso help the patch 10 to conform to the abdominal wall which may berounded or curved.

Next, the patch 10 may be attached 60 to the abdominal wall. Aspreviously mentioned, the patch 10 may be attached to the abdominal wallusing staples, sutures, or other means of attachment. Once properlyattached, the chamber 18 may optionally be deflated 62. This deflationstep 62 may include puncturing the fluid chamber 18 (e.g., using aneedle, forceps, staple, etc.), cutting the conduit 20 leading to thefluid chamber 18, simply allowing fluid to escape back through theconduit 20 leading to the chamber 18, or actually drawing fluid out ofthe chamber 18 through the conduit 20.

In certain embodiments, the fluid chamber 18 may be designed to allowfluid to slowly leak through perforations in the chamber 18 afterexpansion (e.g. filling, inflation). In embodiments where all or part ofthe chamber 18 is bioabsorbable, the chamber 18 may also deflate once aportion of the chamber 18 has degraded. In certain embodiments, theattachment step 60 may be sufficient to deflate the chamber 18. That is,staples, sutures, or the like used to attach the patch 10 may alsopuncture and deflate the chamber 18 in a single step.

After the patch 10 has been properly attached and deflated, drained, orotherwise collapsed, cleanup procedures such as cutting or tearing offthe conduit 20 may be performed. The incision or incisions (either openor laparoscopic) may then be closed 64. Because the chamber 18 isintegrated into the patch 10, the walls of the chamber 18 may be leftinside the abdomen.

Referring to FIG. 14, in general, a laparoscopic surgical procedure mayinvolve making one or more small incisions (e.g., 5-15 mm) in theabdomen 70, thereby creating ports 72 a-c through which a laparoscope,tools, or other instruments may be inserted. In certain embodiments, acannula 74 may be used to hold the ports 72 a-c open and to assist ininserting and removing objects or substances from the abdomen 70. Acannula 74 may come with a trocar (not shown) to pierce the abdomen 70and thereby obtain access to a desired abdominal space.

For example, when treating a hernia 76, a camera port 72 a may bepositioned below the sternum to allow a clear view down the center ofthe abdomen 70. This also allows side ports 72 b, 72 c to be placed oneither side of the abdomen 70 without blocking the view of the camera.One or both of the side ports 72 b, 72 c may be spaced laterally as faras necessary or possible to allow a surgeon to pass tools through theports 72 b, 72 c to the abdominal wall to provide clear access to allparts of the patch 10. Additional ports may be added to access largerhernial defects as needed. The ability to inflate or otherwise swell andexpand the patch 10 disclosed herein allows the patch 10 to be unfoldedand positioned against the abdominal wall without the need for multipleinstruments or sutures.

Referring to FIG. 15, while continuing to refer generally to FIG. 14, ina laparoscopic procedure, a patch 10 may be rolled or folded andinserted through a port 72 in the abdomen 70. This may be accomplished,for example, by rolling the patch 10 around a sponge holder, forceps, orthe like, and inserting the patch 10 through a port 72. If a conduit 20is used to inflate or otherwise swell the chamber 18 to expand (e.g. layout or extend) the patch 10, this conduit 20 may be routed through theport 72 to a fill mechanism such as a syringe, pneumatic bulb, a sourceof liquid or compressed gas, a pump, or the like outside of the abdomen.The patch 10 may then be positioned proximate the hernial defect 76.

Referring to FIG. 16, once the patch 10 is positioned proximate thehernial defect 76, a fluid may be urged into the patch 10 through theconduit 20 to unfold, lay flat, and provide comparative stiffness to thepatch 10.

Referring to FIG. 17, once the patch 10 is inflated such that it layssubstantially flat, the patch 10 may be positioned against the abdominalwall to cover the hernial defect 76. Ideally, the center of the patch 10is positioned to be centered directly over the hernial defect 76 toallow adequate overlap beyond the outer edges of the defect 76. Inselected embodiments, a suture may be passed through a small incision inthe abdomen immediately above the hernial defect. This suture may bepassed through the center of the mesh layer 12 of the patch 10. Thesuture may then be used to snug the patch 10 up against to the abdominalwall and center the patch 10 over the defect 76.

Once centered, the patch 10 may be attached to the abdominal wall withsutures, staples, or the like. This step may also puncture the fluidchamber 18, thereby allowing the patch 10 to deflate (e.g. drain orotherwise evacuate of gas or liquid). Alternatively, the patch 10 may bemanually deflated by cutting the conduit 20, allowing fluid to escapethrough the conduit 20, allowing fluid to slowly leak through thechamber 18, or the like. After the chamber 18 is collapsed (e.g.emptied, deflated) and the conduit 20 removed, the incisions to theabdomen may be closed.

Referring to FIG. 18, in an open surgery procedure, an incision 78 istypically made immediately over the hernial defect 76. The hernial sacmay then be identified and opened, and the hernial sac's contents may bepushed back into the abdominal cavity. The surgeon may then clear out anintra-abdominal space (nominally a plane) around the defect perimeter inorder to create an area and region for the patch 10 to rest against theabdominal wall.

Referring to FIG. 19, once this region including a contact area for thepatch is cleared, the patch 10 may be rolled or folded and insertedthrough the incision 78. As previously mentioned, this may includerolling or folding the patch 10 around a finger and then inserting thepatch into the incision 78 with the finger. Alternatively, this mayinclude simply compacting, such as by folding or rolling the patch 10,such as folding it into thirds, and inserting it through the openincision 78. Where used, a conduit 20 leading to the patch 10 may berouted through the incision 78.

Referring to FIG. 20, once inserted and positioned about the hernialdefect 76, a fluid may be urged into the patch 10 through the conduit 20to unfold the patch 10 and provide rigidity (e.g. comparative stiffness)to the patch 10. As previously mentioned, the patch 10 may also be urgedagainst the abdominal wall by gently pulling on the conduit 20 prior toattachment. This may also help the patch 10 to bend or flex to conformto the abdominal wall.

Referring to FIG. 21, once the patch 10 is inflated or otherwise filledto extend itself to an area where it can lie substantially flat, thepatch 10 may be positioned against the abdominal wall about the hernialdefect 76. As with previous examples, the center of the patch 10 isideally positioned directly over the hernial defect 76 to provideadequate overlap beyond the outer edges of the defect 76. This may beaccomplished by centering the conduit 20 through the incision. Oncecentered, the patch 10 may be attached to the abdominal wall withsutures, staples, or the like, which penetrators may also puncture thefluid chamber 18 to collapse the chamber 18 of the patch 10.Alternatively, the patch is deflated by cutting the conduit 20, allowingfluid to escape through the conduit 20, allowing fluid to slowly leakthrough the chamber 18, or the like. After the chamber 18 is collapsedand the conduit 20 removed, the incision 78 may be closed.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its basic functions or essential characteristics. Thedescribed embodiments are to be considered in all respects only asillustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by theforegoing description. All changes which come within the meaning andrange of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within theirscope.

1. A method for repairing an intra-abdominal defect, the methodcomprising: providing a patch comprising a mesh layer, a fluid chamberconnected to the mesh layer, the fluid chamber being inflatable toextend the mesh layer, and the fluid chamber comprising at least one ofan inflatable ring and an inflatable rib; positioning the patch inside apatient proximate an intra-abdominal defect; extending the mesh layer byinflating the fluid chamber; and securing the mesh layer to the patient.2. The method of claim 1, wherein the securing comprises suturing themesh layer over the intra-abdominal defect.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein positioning comprises: rolling the patch to obtain a rolledconfiguration thereof; and laparoscopicly inserting the patch in therolled configuration within the patient.
 4. The method of claim 1,further comprising deflating the fluid chamber.
 5. The method of claim1, further comprising separating the fluid chamber from the mesh layer.6. The method of claim 5, further comprising removing the fluid chamberfrom within the patient.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the extendingcomprises pumping a fluid into the fluid chamber.
 8. The method of claim1, wherein the extending comprises inserting at least one of a gas andliquid into the fluid chamber.
 9. A method for repairing anintra-abdominal defect, the method comprising: providing a patchcomprising a mesh layer and a fluid chamber connected to the mesh layer,the fluid chamber expandable to extend the mesh layer, the fluid chamberforming at least one of an inflatable ring and an inflatable rib;compacting the patch; inserting the patch in a compacted form into anabdomen; extending the patch by urging fluid into the fluid chamber;positioning the patch over the intra-abdominal defect; and attaching thepatch to a wall of the abdominal to reinforce an area proximate anintra-abdominal defect.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the attachingcomprises suturing the mesh layer over the intra-abdominal defect. 11.The method of claim 9, wherein: the compacting comprises rolling thepatch to obtain a rolled configuration thereof; and the insertingcomprises laparoscopically inserting the patch in the rolledconfiguration within the abdomen.
 12. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising separating the fluid chamber from the mesh layer.
 13. Themethod of claim 12, further comprising removing the fluid chamber fromwithin the abdomen.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein the extendingcomprises pumping a liquid into the fluid chamber.
 15. A method forrepairing an intra-abdominal defect, the method comprising providing amesh layer; providing a fluid chamber connected to the mesh layer andbeing inflatable to extend the mesh layer; and the providing the fluidchamber to include at least one of an inflatable ring and an inflatablerib; and delivering the mesh layer and fluid chamber as an integrateddevice.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: providing a portconnected to introduce an inflating fluid selected from a liquid and agas to be inserted into the fluid chamber.
 17. The method of claim 15,wherein the providing the fluid chamber further comprises providing anattachment mechanism connected to be selectively detachable from themesh layer.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the mesh layer comprisesa perimeter.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein: the providing thefluid chamber further comprises providing an inflatable ring forming aperimeter thereof, the inflatable ring extending proximate the perimeterof the mesh layer.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein providing themesh layer further comprises selecting a material that is bioabsorbableand forming at least a part of the mesh layer.